Story Tokushima and Kagawa
Eating your way through Shikoku Published in 2021

Tokushima and Kagawa

Eating your way through Shikoku

 

9:15     Whirpools sightseeing boats

 

 

Be amazed by the naturally-occurring whirlpools that make the Naruto Straits so spectacular! The area produces some of the world's largest whirlpools, reaching up to 20m in diameter at times. The best way to experience this natural phenomenon is by boat. A 30-minute trip with Uzusio takes you right into the eye of the whirlpool, and you can choose from one of two vessels to watch them - one of them even has an underwater observation room!

 

Picking local souvenirs of your likings (try Naruto Kintoki)

 

 

A visit isn't complete without picking up some food to take home! The most famous snack souvenir is “Naruto Kintoki”, which is a sweet potato snack with a high sugar content and a chestnut-like texture. Other popular souvenirs include Take Chikuwa (fish paste on bamboo stick), as well as confectionery like Saoshika (popular with Tokushima tea ceremonies) and Kincho Manju which is stuffed with white bean paste.

 

 ↓ Car, 90 mins

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13:00     Nakano Udon School (Udon making & tasting experience)

 

 

With over 600 Sanuki udon noodle shops in Kagawa, you know how seriously they take their beloved dish, which is not only popular with locals but also tourists. At Nakano Udon School, learn how to make your own batch of udon from scratch, from kneading to rolling and slicing, and finally cooking them to perfection. After the workshop (of about an hour), you can either eat in or take home to savour later!

 

 ↓ Walk, 5 mins

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Strolling around Kopira sando & try local snacks

 

 

Kotohira-gu Shrine, or Konpira-gu, is Shikoku region's most famous shrine, and a visit isn't complete without sampling snacks along its main approach. Among the many family-run udon restaurants, you can find shops offering you snacks like senbei (rice crackers), kyuman (confectionery filled with yellow bean paste) and the iconic oiri soft serve - try the soy flavour! - topped with colourful melt-in-your-mouth oiri balls, a popular Kagawa confectionery. Having some oiri is also said to bring good luck! Another Kagawa specialty you should try is Honetsukidori - chicken thigh grilled on the bone.

 

 ↓ Walk, 10 mins

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15:45     Kotohira-gu Shrine

 

 

Located halfway up a mountain, the revered Kotohira-gu Shrine is only accessible by its stone-step path - just 785 steps to the inner shrine. Along the way, you will see sacred horses and dog statues that make this temple route unique. The main shrine, dedicated to sailors and seafaring, boasts great views from its observatory. A popular souvenir is a yellow omamori charm that is said to bring you good health and happiness.

 

 ↓ Walk, 30 mins

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17:00     Maruchu dinning at Kobaitei

 

 

Kappo Dining Maruchu serves a selection of fine cuisine focusing on seasonal Shikoku ingredients and cooking style to all visitors staying in Kobaitei. The building itself was made in Japanese-style architecture, using wooden beams that are 300 years old. Guests can enjoy the kaiseki cuisine freshly prepared in their open kitchen.

 

Kobaitei stay

 

 

Kobaitei is a hot spring ryokan, not far from the nearby shrine. Room options include suites with open-air baths, boasting scenic views of the seasons of Mount Zozu, which enshrines the Kotohira-gu Shrine. The corner suite offers a stunning view of Mount Iino, also known as the Sanuki Fuji. The hotel features 2 floors of hot spring baths, each with its own large communal baths and a number of scenic open-air baths for men and women where guests can soak in the high-quality mineral spring water.

 

 

Published in 2021